La Liga President Javier Tebas addresses Vinicius Junior’s remarks on the league
La Liga President Javier Tebas Doubts Vinicius Junior’s Coherence
During a press event in China, La Liga President Javier Tebas expressed skepticism about Vinicius Junior’s recent comments regarding racism and the 2030 World Cup. Tebas questioned the coherence of Vinicius’ statements and suggested that the Brazilian player may have contradicted himself.
Tebas’ Vision for La Liga in the Chinese Market
While in Beijing on a business trip, Tebas discussed his aspirations for expanding La Liga’s presence in China. He acknowledged the challenges faced by non-national sports competitions in the Chinese market and emphasized the importance of enhancing La Liga’s visibility to regain value.
Backlash Against Vinicius Junior’s Remarks
Vinicius Junior faced criticism, including calls for a retraction, after his comments about racism and the World Cup final. The Mayor of Madrid, Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, was among those who questioned Vinicius’ statements. Tebas highlighted the inconsistency in Vinicius’ remarks and suggested that they did not align with his overall message.
Tebas’ Response to Vinicius’ Statements
Tebas acknowledged some validity in Vinicius’ advocacy against racism in sports, but also emphasized the importance of clarity and coherence in addressing such sensitive issues. He agreed with Vinicius’ assertion that Spain is not a racist country, while cautioning against suggestions that Spain should be at risk of losing the World Cup.
Continued Dialogue on Racism in Spain
The debate surrounding racism in Spanish sports remains a sensitive topic, with Vinicius Junior leading efforts to combat discrimination. While his advocacy has been commended, both Tebas and teammate Dani Carvajal have emphasized the need for a nuanced and constructive approach to addressing racism in sports, without jeopardizing Spain’s international standing.